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Category Archives: Stories
My Depression: no longer under lock and key
I wrote this book because the stigma about mental illness in our Christian circles is alive and well. How can a believer in Jesus have suicidal ideations? How can a Christian often feel no hope? What about fullness in Christ? Continue reading →
Posted in Depression, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Stories
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Tagged Annie Dillard, church, Depression, Gillian Marchenko, Inclusion, lock and key, mental illness, stigma, Still Life, Sun Shine Down: A Memoir
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5 Comments
The five words that made me a special needs advocate
I was already a special education teacher. I had friends with disabilities. I grew up with an IEP for severe speech impediments. But this wasn’t my passion yet. It was just a job. It wasn’t my heartbeat. Not yet. Then … Continue reading →
Posted in Advocacy, Key Ministry, Stories
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Tagged advocacy, Disability Ministry, Key Ministry, Shannon Dingle, special education, Special Needs Ministry, teaching
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4 Comments
Clinging to Faith while Parenting Children with PTSD
God was in control when his Son hung on the cross. Surely he is in control of the lives of our traumatized children, too. Continue reading →
Posted in Hidden Disabilities, PTSD, Resources, Stories
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Tagged children, children's ministry, Disability Ministry, Does My Child Have PTSD?, Jolene Philo, Key Ministry, mental illness, PTSD
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1 Comment
Creating a more supportive church culture…one congregation’s journey…
We are in the beginning stages, but perhaps the most beautiful firstfruits have been watching the healing that goes both ways when parents who have been on the journey longer come alongside those who are just beginning to deal with these struggles. The support brings a sense of greater purpose to parents sharing what they have learned with others.
Continue reading →
Posted in Advocacy, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, Parents, Stories, Strategies
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Tagged ADHD, Bonnie Lyn Smith, Calvary Chapel Chelmsford, Disability Ministry, disability ministry innovation, focus groups, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, mental illness, mood disorders, sensory integration, Special Needs Ministry, support groups
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1 Comment
What about us? A sibling to kids with disabilities shares her needs
I came up with a list of three things parents can do to make sure their kids without special needs feel just as important as their siblings with special needs. Continue reading →
Posted in Families, Inclusion, Intellectual Disabilities, Stories, Strategies
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Tagged Disability Ministry, Elaina Marchenko, Family Ministry, Gillian Marchenko, Inclusion, siblings, Special Needs Ministry, tips
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1 Comment
Mental health inclusion…Preaching it from the pulpit
When the leader of your church talks about mental illness from the pulpit or the stage during weekend worship services, they communicate to the body that people with mental illness are valued and grant permission for members and attendees to talk with others in the church about their experiences.
Continue reading →
Posted in Key Ministry, Mental Health, Stories, Strategies
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Tagged church, Depression, Inclusion, Key Ministry, mental illness, pastors, Perry Noble, preaching, Rick Warren, Ryan Rasmussen, stigma, suicide
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3 Comments
One mother’s journey…adoption and psychiatric medication
Contrary to what many believe, putting a child on psychotropic medication is neither quick, nor easy, nor a fix. It is a serious decision with potentially serious consequences. Continue reading →
Posted in Adoption, Advocacy, Controversies, Families, Mental Health, Stories
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Tagged Adoption, Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, Janet Ward, Key Ministry, medication, mental illness, trauma
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1 Comment
Hopeful, Trusting, Confident and Calm…Karen Crum
When I was actively listening to God’s directions, I was able to relax and feel so much more internal confidence and peace as a parent. I learned that many things will not will work according to my plans and timing, but I know that God is in control and that I can trust and hope in Him to lead “my pack”. Continue reading →
Posted in Autism, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Parents, Resources, Stories
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Tagged Autism, Disability Ministry, Dr. Karen Crum, parenting, Persevering Parent Ministries, special needs, The Persevering Parent
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2 Comments
I had no plan…Jeff Davidson
It’s been 15 years and my world is still turned upside down by autism. Continue reading →
Posted in Advocacy, Autism, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Intellectual Disabilities, Key Ministry, Stories
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Tagged Autism, Autism Awareness Day 2015, Disability Ministry, Family Ministry, father, Jeff Davidson, Key Ministry, Light it Up Blue, No More Peanut Butter Sandwiches, parenting, Rising Above Ministries, Special Needs Ministry
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1 Comment
When Mama Needs Help…Ellen Stumbo
Parenting children with high needs can be so incredibly hard and painfully lonely.
Continue reading →
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